Star Citizen Food, Drink & Survival Guide (2026)
Everything about the hunger and thirst mechanics, what happens when your meters run low, and how food and drink ratings work.
TL;DR: Your character has two survival meters: Nutrition (hunger) and Hydration (thirst). Check them on the mobiGlas status screen or at the bottom-left of the HUD. Both deplete over time. If either gets too low, you take damage and can fall unconscious. Eat and drink to refill them, and top up before long missions. You must take your helmet off to eat or drink.
Last updated: October 1, 2026. Nutrition mechanics continue to evolve each patch.
The Hunger & Thirst System
The game tracks Nutrition and Hydration. You can see both on the mobiGlas personal status screen and at the bottom-left of the HUD. Both deplete over time and refill when you eat food or drink drinks.
What Happens When a Meter Runs Low
- Too low: If Nutrition or Hydration drops too low, you take damage.
- Left alone: You will eventually fall unconscious.
- Worst case: A death caused by empty meters is logged as "Malnutrition".
How to Eat and Drink
- Take your helmet off: You must remove your helmet before you can eat or drink.
- Equip from inventory: Food is usually eaten in a single bite. Drinks can be taken in small sips or finished in one go.
- Don't waste it: Eating or drinking while your meters are full gives a reduced effect.
Food & Drink Types
Ratings: NDR and HEI
- Food: Most food has a Nutritional Density Rating (NDR). A higher NDR means the item restores more hunger.
- Drinks: Most drinks have a Hydration Efficacy Index (HEI). A higher HEI means the drink keeps you hydrated longer. Standard filtered water has an HEI of 80.
- Caffeine and alcohol: These lower a drink's HEI, so coffee and alcohol hydrate you less than plain water.
- Dietary effects: Many items also carry dietary effects, such as Energizing on some drinks. Check an item's effects before you use it, especially before combat.
Food and drink are sold at shops, bars, and vending machines in landing zones and stations. Look for food vendors and kiosks in the main common areas. Stock up before you leave a major hub, because remote outposts may have less on offer.
Survival Strategy
- Carry some of each: Keep at least one drink and one food item in your personal inventory.
- Stock your ship: Before long cargo or exploration runs, buy a supply of food and drink at a city.
- Don't eat or drink when full: Consuming items while your meters are full gives a reduced effect. Wait until you are hungry or thirsty.
- Check status before missions: Look at the mobiGlas status screen or the bottom-left of the HUD. If either bar is low, top up before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want your whole first month laid out day by day? Our sister site DayOneCitizen.com is a complete new player guide that walks you through it in order.